Two dissident republicans jailed for murdering PSNI Constable Stephen Carroll failed on Thursday in attempts to have their convictions overturned.

Judges in the Court of Appeal rejected all grounds of challenge advanced by Brendan McConville and John Paul Wootton.

Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said the surrounding circumstances formed a “compelling case” for each man’s guilt.

The officer’s widow, Kate Carroll, and her son, Shane, were in the public gallery to hear the ruling.

Stephen Carroll's widow Kate said the ruling would allow her to “move forward”

Outside Belfast Laganside court, Mrs Carroll expressed relief at the outcome and said the appeal had been hanging over her family like the “biggest, blackest cloud”.

She said her husband had “loved life” and his murder had been “futile”.

Mrs Carroll said it was wrong to try to kill someone “over a piece of land”.

She has set up a peace foundation in memory of her husband and said that the ruling would allow her to “move forward” and “promote peace”.

The widow also expressed sympathy for the McConville family, saying her own son was exactly the same age as Brendan McConville.

John Paul Wootton, 23, from Lurgan, received a minimum 14-year term

Constable Carroll was the first member of the PSNI to be murdered. He was ambushed and shot dead by the Continuity IRA as he responded to a 999 call at Lismore Manor, Craigavon in March 2009.

McConville, 43, of Glenholme Avenue in the town, is serving at least a 25-year-sentence for the murder. Wootton, 23, from Lurgan, received a minimum 14-year term. Both men were also convicted of possession of an AK47 assault rifle and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Brendan McConville, 43, is serving at least a 25-year-sentence for the murder

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to protecting communities and delivering a policing service through the criminal justice system.

“This case proceeded through the criminal justice system, passing every test in terms of grounds for arrest, evidence to charge, going to trial and securing convictions. The Court of Appeal has upheld those convictions.

“We welcome this decision. It is an acknowledgement of all the hard work by Serious Crime Branch detectives and partner agencies to get justice for a valued and much missed colleague."